Ethnographic Museum (Muzeu Etnologjik) Tours

Hidden away in Pristina’s Old Town, the Ethnological Museum is a must-see for visitors to Kosovo’s capital. The museum is housed in the 18th century Emin Gjiku Complex, which once belonged to a local nobleman by the same name. After Gjiku and his family were expelled from Kosovo in the 1950s, the complex was initially a biology museum, eventually opening as the Ethnological Museum in 2006.

The museum features permanent exhibitions relating to life in Kosovo during the Ottoman era and focuses on a circle of life theme, with displays focusing on birth, life, death and heritage. Divided among two buildings, visitors will see rooms furnished just as they would have been during Ottoman times, as well as a traditional “room of birth” and “room of death.” Other rooms display traditional jewelry, costumes, pottery, weapons and other tools. Enthusiastic and knowledgeably English-speaking guides are available to walk you through the museum and share even more of the area’s history and culture.

Practical Info

The Ethnological Museum is an annex of the Museum of Kosovo and is just a five-minute walk from the main museum; look for signs pointing in the right direction. The complex itself is set in a walled courtyard off the main street. It is easily reached on foot or a short taxi ride from much of central Pristina.

Discover the fascinating country of Kosovo on a 5-night private tour, starting at the capital city of Pristina then exploring historic churches, celebrated art, ancient villages, and scenic highlights. The young state lacks the tourist infrastructure of more established destinations—making public transport a challenge—but the service of a private driver/guide throughout your time in Kosovo ensures a stress-free experience.

Explore Pristina highlights, from a magnificent Orthodox church to the 14th-century Carshia Mosque, on a tour that combines top Kosovo sights into a single day of sightseeing. Pickup and drop-off at Pristina hotels make this a convenient way to explore Pristina attractions with limited time, including hard-to-reach destinations beyond the city limits, and it offers fascinating insight into the young European country.